5 one sec alternatives for iPhone
Prices from the US App Store, checked on 2026-09-13. We make Cortex app and we put it first; the other four are the ones we would name if you asked us for something else.
The closest one sec alternatives on iPhone are Cortex app (same pause idea plus an intention question and a daily score, cheaper per year), ScreenZen (free, donation-supported), Opal (hard blocking), Jomo (limits with a waiting period) and Clearspace (effort before opening). Which one fits depends on whether you want a pause, a wall, or free.
| App | Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Cortex app | free · $14.99/yr | iPhone |
| ScreenZen | free (tips) | iPhone · Android |
| Opal | $99.99/yr | iPhone |
| Jomo | subscription | iPhone · iPad · Mac |
| Clearspace | subscription | iPhone |
1. Cortex app — the pause, with a question and a score
Keeps one sec’s core idea (a pause before the app opens) and adds what one sec doesn’t have: a “why are you opening this?” step, a five-second brain workout (typed math, trivia, your own usage numbers) and a 0–100 daily score. iPhone only, iOS 17+. Free for one app; Pro $14.99 a year versus one sec’s $19.99.
Pick it if you liked one sec’s approach and want the pause to do more, and cost less.
2. ScreenZen — free and flexible
A delay before apps open, limits, strict blocking, website blocking, prompts and streaks — every feature free, with optional tips. 4.9 stars on 49K US ratings. No Portuguese.
Pick it if price decides and you want everything in one free app.
3. Opal — the wall
Schedules that block apps and a Deep Focus mode that is deliberately hard to override. Website blocking, focus sessions, a community. Requires iOS 18. $99.99 a year.
Pick it if pauses never stop you and you need to be locked out.
4. Jomo — limits with a waiting period
App and website blocking by schedule, daily limits, and the option to make yourself wait before an app opens. iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Pick it if you want limits first and a pause second, across Apple devices.
5. Clearspace — effort before opening
Asks for a breath or exercise and an intention before letting you into an app, with a session timer. Closest to one sec in mechanics.
Pick it if you want one sec’s effort friction with a different feel.
We list apps that do something one sec does — a pause, a limit or a block before or at the moment you open an app — and are available on the US App Store today. We left out parental-control suites and hardware blockers (Brick, Unpluq).
Questions
What is the best one sec alternative?
The closest one sec alternatives on iPhone are Cortex app (same pause idea plus an intention question and a daily score, cheaper per year), ScreenZen (free, donation-supported), Opal (hard blocking), Jomo (limits with a waiting period) and Clearspace (effort before opening). Which one fits depends on whether you want a pause, a wall, or free.
Is there a free one sec alternative?
ScreenZen is entirely free with optional tips. Cortex app is free for one monitored app with every feature.
Which alternative is cheapest per year?
Free: ScreenZen. Paid: Cortex Pro at $14.99 a year, versus $19.99 for one sec and $99.99 for Opal.
Which one works on Android too?
one sec itself and ScreenZen. Cortex app, Opal, Jomo and Clearspace are Apple-only.
5.0 ★ on the App Store · iOS 17+